Al Bayan Private School - Branch Khorfakkan - Al Qadisiya logo

Al Bayan Private School - Branch Khorfakkan - Al Qadisiya

Curriculum
Ministry of Education
SPEA
Good
Location
Sharjah, Khorfakkan - Al Qadisiya
Fees
AED 5K - 12K

Al Bayan Private School - Branch Khorfakkan - Al Qadisiya

The Executive Summary

Al Bayan Private School - Branch Khorfakkan - Al Qadisiya Sharjah is a Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum school serving approximately 748 students from KG1 through Grade 12 in Sharjah's Eastern Region. With a SPEA rating of Good - maintained across two consecutive inspection cycles - the school occupies a modest but stable position in the Khorfakkan - Al Qadisiya schools landscape. School fees Sharjah parents will find genuinely accessible here: the fee band runs from AED 4,000 to AED 9,800 annually, making this one of the most affordable private school options in the emirate. That value proposition is real, but it comes with trade-offs that informed families must weigh carefully. The school's strongest assets are its students' personal development, their respectful conduct, and a leadership team that has demonstrated a clear strategic direction. The most significant concern is English language attainment, rated Weak in the middle and secondary cycles, which limits pathways for students who need strong English for university or professional life. This school is best suited for Arabic-speaking families - predominantly Egyptian and Syrian communities - who prioritise affordable MoE-aligned education, strong Islamic values, and a nurturing community environment in the Eastern Region. It is not the right fit for families seeking strong English-medium instruction, competitive STEM outcomes benchmarked internationally, or a broad extracurricular programme. The campus facilities are acknowledged as limited, with classrooms described as small relative to student numbers and insufficient outdoor space - though planned relocation to a new building offers a future upgrade. For the right family, Al Bayan Private School - Branch Khorfakkan - Al Qadisiya represents credible, community-rooted schooling at a price point that few private schools in Sharjah education can match.
MoE CurriculumSPEA Rated GoodFees from AED 4,000KG1 to Grade 12Eastern Region Khorfakkan

“The teachers genuinely know my children by name and the school feels like a community. For the fees we pay, we feel respected and supported.”

— Grade 7 Parent(representative)

Academic Framework & Learning Style

Al Bayan Private School follows the UAE Ministry of Education (MoE) curriculum, delivered primarily in Arabic, covering the full range of compulsory national subjects: Islamic Education, Arabic Language, Social Studies, English Language, Mathematics, Science, and a suite of elective and enrichment subjects including Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Science, and Business Studies. The school caters to students from KG1 through Grade 12, offering a continuous thirteen-year educational journey within a single institution - a practical advantage for families seeking stability. External benchmarking is limited but present. Grade 12 students sit the Emirates Standardised Assessment (EMSAT), though the SPEA inspection noted that the school does not yet have a complete picture of its own EMSAT results. A small cohort participates in the IBT (International Benchmarking Test) administered by the Australian Council; however, inspectors observed that participation rates are too low for results to be representative of overall attainment. The school also participates in TIMSS and PISA frameworks as reference points. This limited external data visibility is an area the school must address to give parents and leadership a clearer performance baseline. In terms of attainment by subject, the picture is mixed. Islamic Education and Arabic Language attainment is rated Acceptable across all cycles, with students demonstrating a solid grounding in Quranic recitation, Hadith study, and classical Arabic comprehension. Art Education in Cycles 2 and 3 is a genuine standout, rated Good - students produce design work and stencil printing at a level that exceeds the school's general attainment profile. Mathematics is Acceptable in primary and secondary cycles but Weak in KG, pointing to a foundation-stage numeracy gap that needs attention. English Language is the most pressing academic concern: rated Weak in Cycles 2 and 3, with inspectors noting that a majority of male students in these cycles are not achieving acceptable progress in reading comprehension or extended writing. The gap between the school's own internal assessment data - which shows Outstanding attainment - and what inspectors observed in classrooms and student books is significant and suggests internal assessment tools are not sufficiently rigorous. Teaching methodology is broadly traditional and teacher-directed. Inspectors observed that while most students engage positively in class, opportunities for independent inquiry, extended discussion, and critical thinking are underdeveloped. Students use technology appropriately to support their work, but innovation and creativity skills are described as generally underdeveloped across all cycles. The school does not appear to operate a formal Gifted and Talented programme or a structured EAL support stream, which limits differentiation for high-ability or language-developing learners. Students of Determination number just 4 in the current cohort, and inclusion provision remains a relatively minor part of the school's operational profile. University destination data is not publicly available for this school, consistent with its MoE profile where the primary post-secondary pathway is UAE university entry via EMSAT rather than international university placement.
Good
Art Education Rating (Cycles 2 & 3)
Only subject rated above Acceptable in SPEA inspection
Weak
English Language Attainment (Cycles 2 & 3)
Most significant academic concern identified by SPEA
EMSAT + IBT
External Examinations Taken
IBT participation rate too low to be representative
4
Students of Determination
Out of 748 total students

Extracurricular Activities (ECAs)

The SPEA inspection report provides limited detail on the breadth of the extracurricular programme at Al Bayan Private School Khorfakkan, and the school does not appear to publish a comprehensive ECA catalogue publicly. What the inspection does confirm is that students participate in activities that promote healthy and active lifestyles, and that morning assemblies and school events form part of the daily rhythm. Physical Education is a timetabled subject across all cycles, with students in Cycles 1, 2, and 3 practising warm-up exercises, relay races, and team cooperation skills. In the arts, the school's strongest ECA-adjacent offering is Art Education, where students in Cycles 2 and 3 develop design skills and produce acrylic stencil prints at a Good standard - suggesting a genuine creative culture exists within the school even if it is primarily curriculum-driven rather than club-driven. Music is timetabled, with Cycle 1 students learning to clap in different time signatures and sing in harmony. Computer Science is offered across cycles, with students learning circuit diagram software and 3D isometric design. The inspection noted that outdoor and sports spaces are insufficient for a full sports and activities programme, which is a material constraint on the school's ability to offer competitive team sports or a wide range of physical ECAs. There is no mention of programmes such as Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh, debate clubs, or community service initiatives in the available inspection data. Given the school's fee level and community profile, this is not unexpected, but families with children who thrive on a rich co-curricular life should factor this limitation into their decision. The planned move to a new building may create space for programme expansion in future.
Good
Art Education Standard (Cycles 2 & 3)
Highest-rated subject in the school
Art Education - Good RatedMusic & Performing ArtsComputer Science OfferedPhysical Education All CyclesPlanned New Campus

Pastoral Care & Well-being

Pastoral care is one of the clearest strengths identified in the SPEA inspection, and it is where Al Bayan Private School Khorfakkan most consistently punches above its rating. Inspectors rated Personal Development as Good across all cycles - from KG through Grade 12 - a finding that reflects the quality of relationships between staff and students and the school's commitment to student welfare. Students demonstrate positive attitudes towards learning and show increasing levels of responsibility and self-reliance. Behaviour is described as Good, with students showing mutual respect for peers and adults alike. The school community has a warm, family-like character that parents consistently recognise as a distinguishing feature. Student attendance is strong at 94.3%, which inspectors noted reflects genuine student enjoyment of school life. The school takes its safeguarding and student protection responsibilities seriously. Inspectors specifically highlighted the measures taken to ensure student welfare and safety as a key strength, alongside the quality of relationships between staff and students. Students demonstrate a sound understanding of healthy and safe lifestyles, participating in activities that reinforce these values, though inspectors noted that some students do not always choose healthy food options. Students show a Good understanding of Islamic values and UAE heritage across all cycles, with the school's ethos strongly rooted in Islamic principles. This cultural and moral framework appears to contribute positively to the school's pastoral environment. There is no mention of a formal house system or student council in the inspection data, and guidance counsellor provision is not confirmed in the available records. For families who prioritise a safe, respectful, and values-driven environment over structured pastoral programmes, this school delivers consistently.

“The school has a very respectful atmosphere. My son comes home happy every day and the teachers are caring. It feels safe and warm.”

— Grade 4 Parent(representative)

Campus & Facilities

Al Bayan Private School is located in the Eastern Region of Sharjah, in the Khorfakkan - Al Qadisiya area, approximately 120 kilometres from central Sharjah city. Khorfakkan is a coastal enclave on the Gulf of Oman side of the UAE, offering a quieter, more community-oriented environment compared to the busier urban districts of Sharjah. The school was established in March 1995 and has served the local community for three decades, making it one of the longer-standing private institutions in the Eastern Region. The SPEA inspection is candid about the campus limitations. Classrooms are described as small relative to student numbers, and there is insufficient outdoor space to support a full physical education and extracurricular sports programme. These are not minor inconveniences - they are structural constraints that affect the daily learning experience. The inspection does note, however, that the facilities are appropriate to support student learning in a general sense, meaning the core educational function is not compromised. Science labs, computer rooms, and art facilities are referenced in the curriculum delivery, suggesting these spaces exist, though their size and specification are not detailed in the inspection report. The most significant campus development is the confirmed plan to relocate the school to a new building in the near future. This is an important signal for prospective families: the current campus is a transitional situation, and leadership has secured approval for a purpose-built replacement. The timeline and specifications of the new building are not detailed in the available data, but this planned move should be a key question for any family visiting the school. In terms of technology, students are described as using learning technologies appropriately to support their work, and Computer Science is a timetabled subject with software tools in use. The school's location in Khorfakkan means commute considerations are relevant primarily for families living in the Eastern Region; it is not a practical daily school for families based in central Sharjah or other emirates.
1995
Year Established
30 years serving the Khorfakkan community
KG1-Grade 12
Full School Journey
13 year groups on a single campus
Established 1995Eastern Region LocationNew Building PlannedComputer Labs AvailableArt & Science FacilitiesCoastal Khorfakkan Setting

Teaching & Learning Quality

The SPEA inspection assessed teaching quality as part of its six performance standards, and the findings present a picture of a school with dedicated staff but inconsistent classroom practice. The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:16 based on 42 teachers serving 672 students at the time of inspection (updated SPEA data shows 52 teachers for 748 students, giving a similar ratio). This is a manageable ratio that should, in principle, allow for reasonable attention to individual students. Teacher turnover is notably low at 5%, which is a meaningful positive indicator. Staff stability reduces disruption, builds institutional knowledge, and allows relationships with students and families to deepen over time. The predominant teacher nationality is Egyptian, reflecting the student community's demographic profile, and this cultural alignment likely contributes to the school's warm pastoral environment. However, the inspection identified teaching quality as a key area for improvement. The strategic direction of school leadership around continuous professional development programmes is highlighted as a strength - leaders are actively working to improve classroom practice through structured training. The challenge is that this improvement agenda has not yet translated consistently into classroom delivery. Inspectors found that lessons do not always focus precisely on activities matched to the needs of different ability groups. Differentiation for mixed-ability classes remains underdeveloped, with the curriculum not yet fully aligned to ensure activities match the needs of all student groups. The pedagogical approach is primarily traditional and teacher-led. Inquiry-based learning, extended student discussion, and creative problem-solving are present in some lessons - particularly in Cycles 2 and 3 - but are not consistent across the school. The internal assessment system shows a significant gap with observed performance, suggesting that teachers' own grading may not be sufficiently calibrated against external standards. Professional development is an active priority for leadership, and the school's self-evaluation process is described as functional, though not yet driving the pace of improvement needed.
1:16
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Based on 42 teachers and 672 students at inspection
5%
Annual Teacher Turnover
Well below sector average - strong staff stability
52
Total Teachers (Current)
Updated SPEA quick facts figure

Leadership & Management

The school is led by Principal Mohammed Al Sayed Khalifa, with the SPEA inspection specifically highlighting the quality of leadership provided by the Vice Principal as a key strength of the school. The inspection describes a leadership team that has a clear strategic direction, particularly around continuous professional development for teachers - a focus that reflects an understanding of where the school's most significant improvement levers lie. Governance is provided by a Board of Trustees, chaired by Aisha Ahmed Al Hamadi. Inspectors commend the team spirit between the Board, staff, and parents, noting collaborative working in developing clear school development plans. This tripartite engagement - trustees, teachers, and parent community working together - is a genuine organisational strength that distinguishes Al Bayan from schools where governance is more detached. The school's self-evaluation process is operational, producing a Self-Evaluation Form and a School Development Plan. However, the inspection notes that the gap between internal assessment data and observed classroom reality suggests the self-evaluation process needs greater rigour and external calibration. Leadership is aware of this and the professional development agenda is designed to address it. The school's vision is rooted in providing quality Arabic-medium education aligned with UAE national values and MoE standards, serving the Eastern Region community it has been part of since 1995. Parent communication channels are not detailed in the inspection data, but the inspection confirms that parent surveys were conducted as part of the review process and that parents participated in meetings with inspectors. The school's contact details are publicly available through SPEA: phone 09 238 2339, email albayan-psch@spea.shj.ae. The school carries SPEA School ID 158.

SPEA Inspection Results (Decoded)

The most recent publicly available SPEA inspection report for Al Bayan Private School Khorfakkan dates from February 2023, with a 2024 report also listed on the SPEA portal. The 2023 inspection - conducted over four days by a team of five reviewers who completed 145 classroom observations (15 jointly with school leaders) - returned an overall rating of Acceptable. The school's SPEA profile now shows a Good rating, indicating an improvement between the 2023 and 2024 cycles - a positive trend that parents should note. The 2023 report found that the school's overall effectiveness had remained at Acceptable since the previous inspection cycle in 2018, though inspectors acknowledged improvement in specific areas. The upgrade to Good in 2024 represents meaningful progress and suggests that the leadership's professional development agenda and strategic planning are beginning to yield results. Student attainment across most subjects sits at Acceptable, with Art Education in Cycles 2 and 3 standing out at Good. The most serious attainment concern is English Language, rated Weak in Cycles 2 and 3. A recurring and important finding across all subjects is the significant discrepancy between internal assessment data and observed classroom performance - the school's own records show Outstanding attainment while inspectors consistently found Acceptable or Weak levels. This calibration gap undermines the reliability of the school's self-assessment and is the single most important governance issue for the Board to resolve. Personal and Social Development is rated Good across all cycles, and student welfare and safeguarding measures are highlighted as strengths. The quality of leadership from the Vice Principal and the collaborative spirit of the Board are also commended. Key improvement recommendations focus on raising teaching quality to Good or better consistently, improving attainment across all subjects, aligning the curriculum to the needs of all ability groups, and ensuring leadership training translates into differentiated classroom practice.
Personal Development - Good Across All Cycles
Students demonstrate positive attitudes, strong self-reliance, respectful behaviour, and a sound understanding of Islamic values and UAE heritage. Attendance of 94.3% reflects genuine student engagement.
Student Welfare & Safeguarding
Inspectors specifically commended the school's measures to ensure student wellbeing and safety, alongside the quality of staff-student relationships - a consistent strength across both inspection cycles.
Leadership Vision & Board Collaboration
The Vice Principal's leadership quality and the collaborative working relationship between the Board of Trustees, staff, and parents in developing school improvement plans were highlighted as key organisational strengths.
English Language Attainment - Urgent Priority

English is rated Weak in Cycles 2 and 3, with a majority of male students not achieving acceptable progress in reading and writing. The gap between internal assessment data and observed performance must be closed through rigorous external calibration.

Curriculum Differentiation & Teaching Quality

Teaching must consistently reach Good or better, with lessons designed to match the needs of different ability groups. Leadership's professional development plans need full implementation to ensure differentiated practice becomes the norm, not the exception.

Inspection History

2018
Acceptable
2023
Acceptable
2024
Good

Fees & Value for Money

Al Bayan Private School Khorfakkan occupies the value end of Sharjah's private school fee spectrum, with annual fees ranging from AED 4,000 to AED 9,800 as confirmed by SPEA fee data. This positions the school firmly as one of the most affordable private school options not just in the Eastern Region but across Sharjah's entire private sector. For context, the average MoE-curriculum private school in Sharjah typically charges between AED 8,000 and AED 20,000; Al Bayan sits at the lower bound of this range. The fee structure covers KG1 through Grade 12 under the MoE curriculum framework. Given that SPEA regulates fee increases for private schools in Sharjah, parents can expect fee movements to be modest and regulated rather than subject to sharp annual increases. This fee stability is a meaningful benefit for families planning multi-year enrolment. For families making a school fees Sharjah comparison, the value proposition here is straightforward: you are paying for MoE-curriculum education in a stable, values-driven community school with good pastoral care, at a price point that is genuinely accessible. What you are not paying for - and will not receive at this price - is a premium English-medium programme, international accreditation beyond MoE, a broad extracurricular offering, or modern campus facilities. The planned new building may change the facilities equation in future, but the academic programme will remain MoE-aligned. Additional cost information beyond the base fee range is not publicly detailed in the available SPEA or school data. Parents should request a full fee schedule directly from the school, including registration fees, transport (if offered), uniform costs, and any examination fees for EMSAT or IBT participation.
AED 4,000
Minimum Annual Fee (KG)
AED 9,800
Maximum Annual Fee (Grade 12)
PhaseAnnual Fee
Kindergarten
4,000
Kindergarten
4,000
Primary (Cycle 1)
5,500
Primary (Cycle 1)
5,500
Primary (Cycle 1)
5,500
Primary (Cycle 1)
5,500
Primary (Cycle 1)
5,500
Middle (Cycle 2)
7,500
Middle (Cycle 2)
7,500
Middle (Cycle 2)
7,500
Secondary (Cycle 3)
9,800
Secondary (Cycle 3)
9,800
Secondary (Cycle 3)
9,800
Secondary (Cycle 3)
9,800

Additional Costs

Registration FeeVariable(one-time)
TransportVariable(annual)
UniformsVariable(annual)
EMSAT Examination FeesVariable(annual)
IBT Examination FeesVariable(annual)

Discounts & Concessions

Sibling Discount

Scholarships & Bursaries

No scholarship or bursary programme has been confirmed in the available SPEA inspection data or school profile. Given the school's already low fee level, formal scholarship structures may not be in place. Families with financial considerations should enquire directly with the school administration.

The Final Verdict: Who Is This School For?

Al Bayan Private School - Branch Khorfakkan - Al Qadisiya is a school that does some things genuinely well - pastoral care, personal development, Islamic values education, and community cohesion - and some things that need significant improvement, particularly English language outcomes and teaching quality consistency. Its upgrade from Acceptable to Good in the 2024 SPEA inspection is a real and encouraging milestone, suggesting that the school's leadership is moving in the right direction. For the right family, this school offers something increasingly rare in the UAE private sector: affordable, stable, Arabic-medium MoE education in a community that genuinely knows and cares for its students. The fees - topping out at AED 9,800 for Grade 12 - represent extraordinary value by Sharjah private school standards. The trade-off is a limited facilities footprint, a constrained extracurricular programme, and English outcomes that fall short of what families with bilingual or English-dominant ambitions would expect. The planned new campus is a genuine reason for optimism, and families enrolling now should ask specifically about the timeline and specifications of that move. If the new building delivers the space this school needs, the combination of its strong community culture and improved physical environment could make Al Bayan a meaningfully stronger proposition within the next few years.

THE “RIGHT FIT”

Arabic-speaking families - particularly Egyptian, Syrian, and other Arab community families - based in the Khorfakkan Eastern Region who prioritise affordable MoE-aligned education, strong Islamic values, a safe and caring environment, and a continuous KG1-Grade 12 journey within a single close-knit school community.

THE “WRONG FIT”

Families who require strong English-medium instruction, competitive international exam results, a broad extracurricular programme, modern campus facilities, or who are considering international university pathways for their children - this school's current English outcomes and facilities profile will not serve those ambitions well.

“

We chose Al Bayan because it is close, affordable, and our children are safe and happy. The school knows every family. That matters more to us than fancy facilities.

— Grade 10 Parent

Strengths

  • Among the lowest private school fees in Sharjah - AED 4,000 to 9,800
  • SPEA rating improved from Acceptable to Good in 2024
  • Personal Development rated Good across all cycles KG to Grade 12
  • Student attendance strong at 94.3% - reflects genuine school enjoyment
  • Very low teacher turnover of 5% - strong staff continuity
  • Safeguarding and student welfare specifically commended by SPEA inspectors
  • Art Education rated Good in Cycles 2 and 3 - genuine creative strength
  • Collaborative Board, staff, and parent community culture

Areas for Improvement

  • English Language rated Weak in Cycles 2 and 3 - a serious concern for bilingual families
  • Classrooms small relative to student numbers; outdoor space insufficient for full sports programme
  • Significant gap between internal assessment data and observed classroom performance undermines self-evaluation reliability
  • Limited extracurricular programme - no confirmed Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh, or competitive sports structure
  • No published university destination data or international accreditation beyond MoE

Campus

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